1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (201 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 105 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
